How to build DIY Solar Power generator?

Before, solar power or solar cell panels are only available in commercial areas and hardware stores. Nowadays, more and more people are trying DIY or do it yourself kits. You can expect to have your own setup in just one day, provided that you have an easy kit to start with. Solar power can be achieved right in your very own home, without the help of a professional. Make sure you follow the instructional guide carefully for the best results.

You can use parts that are available on the internet or your local store. You can create a tiny solar power generator with a budget of only $200 to $300. This is ideal for power failures and life outside the power grid. The setup can also effectively power the modem, television, DC appliances, computer, cameras and lights. You can use this in cabins, archaeological digs, tents and camping trips. This is the ideal setup for people who travel to undeveloped regions and countries.

Initial Steps

First of all, you need to make or buy yourself a tiny solar panel. You can get a device rated at 12 volts or higher for only $100 at a marine supply store or RV store. Next, purchase a battery. Experts recommend that you get rechargeable batteries from available green companies. Get any size of deep cycle 12 volt lead/acid or gel battery. You will need the deep cycle battery for nonstop use. The type in the car is a cranking battery, which is good for starting engines. You may also want to look for bargains and other good deals that will cost only around $50 to $60.

Next Steps

Take a battery box where you will put the generator in. The box may only cost around $10. It is ideal for covering the exposed terminals just in case you have kids inside the house. If you want to install the system in a cabin, pump shed or boat, you can skip this step. Purchase a 12 volt DC meter. This will cost you around $25. Purchase a DC input. The triple inlet model is recommended. You can purchase this for only $10 at a car parts store. The device will be good for powering DC appliances like lights, hair dryers and vacuum cleaners.

If you intend to power AC appliances, you will need an inverter. The inverter converts the stored DC power in the battery right into AC power for majority of household appliances. Measure the watts that you will need. Cheap inverters of various sizes can be purchased online too. Use a drill to attach the meter and DC input to the top region of the box.

Charging

Next, use insulated wire to connect the meter to the wingnut terminals found on the battery. Link the negative pole initially. Only handle a single wire at a time. Link the DC inlet straight to the battery in a similar fashion. Link the solar panel to the battery the same way. Shut the lid using a bungee cord to keep everything tight. Position the solar panel under the sun. It will take 5 to 8 hours to charge dead batteries. You can power different devices like fans, lights and radios.

 

10 Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures...

You name it, if these don't feature in your life yet, they soon will. Global warming and climate change are facts of life now, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, and many scientists.

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

If you're not, you probably live in a city where half of the Earth's citizens live now and take much for granted. Because in city living we are far removed from natural processes that deliver our food, clothing and energy.

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you're that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Even in the city you cannot stick your head in the sand (or under the asphalt?) and you are not immune from climate change. Witnesses are the 15,000 mostly elderly people that died in Paris alone in the sizzling hot European summer of 2003. Or the many killed in New Orleans at the 'hands' of cyclone Katrina.

And if you are hot under the collar, do you think perhaps that there will be some miraculous scientific break-through so they ever-responsible 'They' will fix the Earth? The ultimate stem cell technology maybe that can clone a new home for us!

Seriously, for many of us it is just all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future. A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

Our world is changing. There are great challenges ahead and it is too late to stop global warming. The Earth has changed and the processes it uses to regulate itself are adjusting themselves. And these changes will not suit human life as it is.

But you are not powerless. Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain. Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no. We are talking about a severely disabled world really. And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

"Come on, get real", you say? Do I hear: "Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we'll get out of this mess."

Yes, we desperately do need to switch to renewable energy sources that do not make a greenhouse out of our home, the Earth. But all the technology in the world will never be enough to survive  and flourish.

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might. Even now. It's simple and it's hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else--under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances. So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well. These are true alternate energy sources. Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

* Accept that all of us are fragile and vulnerable

* The world is full of limits. We need some of these to live well

* Vulnerability and dependence are an inevitable part of a whole life

* No-one is independent, but interdependent

* Connection with others is our lifeline and our wellbeing

And they do this:

* Engage with others to build positive relationship, where you live, work and play

* Pay attention to other's needs and that of the environment

* Take responsibility for the situation you're i

* Care for others and the environment competently

* Be assertive and use your humour and creativity

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I'd be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We're just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it. Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the 'regular' renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too. You can change your local world by acting in these ways. And if all fails - regardless? Well, it's the only way to go! Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it'll be cooler under your collar!

Solar Energy Is Hot

No doubt you’ve heard plenty about solar power but always thought it was too expensive, aside from minor uses in the now popular garden lighting systems. However, with fuel prices climbing and solar cells becoming more reasonable, adding solar power to your home is a great, long term solution to high energy bills.

That isn’t to say they’re cheap. Before rebates, it typically takes 12 or more years for a homeowner to make their investment in solar panels back. That’s much longer than the average person is willing to wait. However, many states now offer rebates, so the final cost to the homeowner is much less than it use to be. The rebates vary from state to state, so it’s impossible to say how much of an impact they have overall. There may also be federal incentives.

Solar panels are also steadily becoming more efficient. They produce more energy than they used to. They require relatively little maintenance, many of which you may be able to do yourself. This helps to make them very cost effective.

Solar energy isn’t just for making electricity. You can use it heat the water for your swimming pool or heat your home. There are many options available for those who are interesting in building an energy efficient home without sacrificing comfort.

Solar power is much, much cheaper than it used to be, as prices have fallen by 90% since the 1970s. That doesn’t make it cheap - yet! - to install enough photovoltaic cells to power a house, but in some areas the incentives given to install solar cells cuts the overall cost to the homeowner about in half.

To decide if solar energy is right for you, take some basic figures into consideration.

• Check your energy consumption.

You need to know how big a system you will need to power your home. Make sure you consider your highest consumption levels and the possibility that it will grow somewhat.

• Find out how much a photovoltaic system to meet your need will cost you.

The size will depend both on your energy need and on the available sunlight (solar resource) in your area.

• Find out what rebates and incentives are available to you to help decrease your costs.

• Consider whether your system will be on the grid or off.

On the grid has the advantage that you can sell when you have an excess and buy electricity when you don’t have enough, while with an off the grid system you have a battery to store your excess.

• Consider what the environmental benefits are worth to you.

This is a personal factor rather than a direct economic one. It won’t save you money, but knowing that you’re contributing a little less to pollution might change how you feel about the expense.

Choosing to use solar power in your home is an investment you can appreciate on many levels. Over a number of years it will save you money as you generate environmentally friendly energy. It’s not cheap to get started, but when you combine the environmental benefits with decreasing your reliance on fuel costs you can certainly appreciate the possibilities.

Saving Energy In Your Home (4)

61. Kitchen fans.

Whenever it is hot and you have turned on your air-conditioning system, you should not make use of the electric fan that you have in your kitchen. This is because, it can make warm and moist air go towards different parts of your place, and make your AC system work harder.

62. Clean your air-conditioning systems regularly.

Cleaning the filters of your air-conditioning system and cleaning the system itself are two different things. When it comes to cleaning the AC, it is best if you hire someone to do it for you. Do it regularly, so that it would be able to work as efficiently as possible.

63. Use your pressure cooker.

If you don’t have a pressure cooker, then it is time to purchase one. This is because, using a pressure cooker can help you saving energy in your home. With a pressure cooker, you would be able to cook food faster, since you would be applying pressure on it, aside from the fact that it would also make the temperature go up fast.

64. Inspect the indoor and outdoor coils of your air conditioner.

There are two coils that you need to inspect regularly when it comes to caring for your air conditioner. The indoor coil should be checked and cleaned always, since it gets wet during the process of cooling, aside from attracting dust. Dirt buildup on it can make the AC work harder, which is why it should be kept cleaned always. This is also the same with the outdoor coil.

65. Prevent excessive cooling.

There are times when you set the thermostat of your air conditioner beyond your desired temperature. You may simply become adjusted to it by using a blanket when you sleep. However, it is best if you bring down the thermostat level instead, since making your room cooler than you need it to be would make you consume more energy.

66. There is no need to make use of air conditioners during the entire summer season.

Although it is summer, there are times when the weather can be milder. It is during these times when you can substitute your air conditioner with just an electric fan. By doing that, you would be able to reduce your energy consumption by 40 to 60 percent.

67. Choose the right power for your room air conditioner.

Room air conditioners are available in different horse powers these days. You can choose from half, one, one and one half, and many more. When it comes to this, you need to consider the size of your room to be able to select the right horse power for your air conditioner. It is best that your AC has just the right power for your room, since too low or too high can make you consume more energy.

68. Properly installing your air conditioner.

It is very important to ensure that professionals are the ones to install your air conditioner. This is because, its installation is a factor that can affect its efficiency. The air conditioner has to be installed on a

flat surface, since it would help its drainage system and other mechanisms to work properly. See that it is installed properly, so that you won’t be consuming more energy than you should be.

69. Using a window air conditioner.

If you are using a window air conditioner, it is best if you set the fan speed on higher levels. However, if you can feel high humidity, then you should set it to low. Lower fan speed can actually make you feel more comfortable during warmer months, since it can help removing moisture from the air.

70. Check your car’s tires weekly.

You should make sure that your car is fuel efficient, in order to saving energy in your home. One of the factors that can affect that is its tires. With that, you need to check the tires of your car weekly, so that you can ensure that it has proper inflation. When that is the case, then you would be able to saving energy in your home by making your car more fuel efficient.

71. Read more books.

Reading more books can help you reduce your energy consumption. This is because, it would greatly reduce your time spent in front of your television. With that, it is best if you encourage your kids and your spouse to follow your lead, so that they can all contribute in saving energy in your home.

72. Do not place your TV set or your lamp near your air conditioning thermostat.

It is not a good idea to situate a television set or a lamp near your air conditioning thermostat. This is because, these appliances can give off heat towards the thermostat. When that happens, the thermostat would try to work harder than necessary to cool down your room’s temperature.

73. Make your company as paper less as possible.

Making your company as paper less as possible can help you conserve energy. This is because, each time you need to print something, you would be consuming more electricity. Aside from making your company reduce electricity bills by becoming paper less, you can also help the environment.

74. Unplug your air conditioner during winter.

It is a fact that you won’t be using your air conditioner during the winter times. Thus, it is best if you can unplug it, so that you can ensure that it won’t be consuming any kind of energy. It is also better if you can cover it with something, so that you would be able to preserve its quality.

75. Do not forget the seal between your AC and your window.

It is important to constantly check on the seal between your air conditioner and the frame of your window. This is because, the seal can get easily damaged with moisture. When that happens, the seal can eventually have holes, which would let cool air from your room escape.

76. Drain water from your hot water tank.

Draining water from the hot water tank regularly can help a lot when it comes to saving energy in your home. This is because, sediments inside the tank can reduce the efficiency of your tank. Draining even just a quart of water from the tank once every two to three months would already help a lot.

77. Cover your foods when you store them inside the refrigerator.

It is important to cover or wrap foods that you store inside your refrigerator. This is because, foods that are uncovered can release moisture inside the cooling unit. When that happens, it actually makes the compressor work harder, which means more energy consumed.

78. See if you have a butter conditioner insider your refrigerator.

It is always best to check on your user’s manual, even when it comes to making use of your refrigerator. This is because, it can also help you determine if your unit has a butter conditioner. This part of a refrigerator is actually a heater, and it is best if you can turn it off.

79. Don’t keep your old refrigerator running.

It is possible that you are still using your old refrigerator at your garage, especially in times when you need extra space. However, it would actually serve you better if you just obtain a new unit, even just a small one. This is because, old refrigerators can actually consume a lot of energy, due to their being inefficient.

80. Attain the ideal temperature for your refrigerator.

If you are going to make your refrigerator cooler than you need it to be, then you would be consuming more energy than necessary. With that, you have to take note of the proper temperature for the different parts of it, such as the freezer and the fresh food compartment. To check on their temperatures, just make use of a thermometer for it.

Nikola Tesla Secrets Review

Would you like to generate 100% free electricity for your home? How about using a device that was invented 100 years ago and still works today? Would you be interested in generating free electricity and reducing your energy bills to almost nothing?! If you’re like the average family then you would have answered yes to all those questions.

Nikola Tesla was a man who we now call “the father of electricity”. He invented a device that the government and energy companies have tried to keep hidden from us. It generates 100% free energy and provides enough power to supply your entire home for life.

Nikola Tesla Secrets is a brand new product that aims to uncover the truth and teach you how to create a Tesla system all for yourself so that you can now enjoy the benefits of free energy. The beauty of the Tesla system if that you can build it yourself and you don’t need any fancy equipment or materials – everything you need can be found at your local electrical store!

One of the most popular methods of green energy is solar power – unfortunately, this kind of installation can cost you thousands of dollars and can end up costing you much more in the long run. They’re not always 100% reliable and can be costly to fix.

The Tesla device is an extremely robust and powerful system which can help you generate 100% free unlimited energy and you don’t need a science degree to build it yourself. The Nikola Tesla Secrets product will teach you everything you need to know.

You will learn how you can get everything you need to build this system for under $100 and it will last you years and years. You will also learn how to get the most out of your new device once you’ve built it – this is amazingly helpful! Best of all, this amazing package is available at a great price and this alone makes it a no brainer – at just $47 you can get your hands on the entire package and start saving energy today!

With just a few things from your local store you can be up and running and generating 100% free unlimited energy for the rest of your life – do you realise how much money that will save you in the long run? You can literally save thousands of dollars with this tiny $47 investment. Read More...

Solar Energy Health Risks

Solar energy is a potential source of free electricity and water heating. It offers the power to enjoy electrical power in remote areas of the world. It seems to offer health and safety along with power, but does it?

Solar energy health risks are seldom mentioned. That may be partially due to the limited use of this source of energy. It may also be due to the lack of research in this area. Some have begun to study solar energy health risks, however, and if one researches long enough, a few estimates are available.

Thermal Solar Energy Health Risks

Solar energy health risks are inherent to the design and installation of most thermal energy systems. These are the systems designed to heat water and air for household use.

Solar water heaters complete three basic operations before delivering hot water to your faucet or your heating unit:

1. collect sunlight and convert it into heat energy.

2. circulate fluids that transfer the heat energy to a storage unit

3. store the hot water until you need it

The solar energy health risks with such a system usually occur in the storage units. Some units allow for the growth of allergenic molds and fungi.

If proper materials are used for the storage unit, however, these solar energy systems present few, if any, health risks. Their advantages are that they are far safer than most fossil fuels or nuclear power - they have no emissions and do not pollute the air.

PV Panel Solar Energy Health Risks

The solar energy health risks associated with photovoltaic (PV) panels occurs before the panels are put into use on the consumer's home. PV panels are the panels used to collect solar energy from sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

The manufacture of PV panels requires the use of toxic materials. Silicon dioxide is mined from sand or quartzite and reduced with heat to pure silicon. Materials released during refining are the main health risks. Several steps in forming the photovoltaic cells utilize toxic materials. These are sprayed on the cells, and can readily be inhaled.

It is estimated that solar energy health risks associated with producing PV panels per unit energy may be between 11 and 21 deaths per quadrillion joules of energy produced.

Solar energy health risks from PV panels are very slight once the panels are produced and installed on the consumer's home. This type of solar energy is known for reliability and low maintenance. The home owner seldom needs to be involved in any repairs, and thereby cuts solar energy health risks.

Passive Solar Energy Health Risks

Passive solar energy provides safety and health. A new building that maximizes this technology can reduce energy costs by nearly one half. How?

1. Warming indoor air in a house through vertical, slanted windows facing the sun. The windows capture maximum solar energy from the sunlight.

2. Collecting solar energy in adobe or stone walls and floors, and then releasing it into the air as the temperature falls.

3. Collecting solar energy in a sun space, much like a greenhouse built on the sunny side of the home. This heat is sent into the home with proper ventilation.

4. Holding water in black roof tanks until needed, cutting the working time of the home's hot water heater.

5. Using clerestories – rows of windows near roof peaks that catch sunlight and bounce it through the building. The sunlight reduces the need for electric lights.

In Summary

Solar energy technologies present few, if any, health risks for the end user. Their use can reduce the health risks presented by other energy sources, providing cleaner, safer, more cost effective energy.

Saving Energy In Your Home (3)

40. Buy energy efficient appliances.

If you are shopping for appliances, you would realize that in most cases, the energy efficient products are usually more expensive. Although they are, they can actually provide you with more benefits in the long run. Aside from helping you minimize energy consumption, these models usually are also made in higher quality than the others.

41. Charge your mobile phone’s battery, when it is almost empty.

Lots of people today put their mobile phones with its charger every time they arrive at their place, even when the battery is still half full. It is actually a better practice to charge your battery, when it is almost empty, so that you can minimize the number of times that you plug it into the socket. Aside from that, it can also prolong the life of your battery.

42. Using the right amount of detergent.

When you make use of your dishwasher, you should see to it that you are putting just the right amount of detergent. This is because, too much of it or too little can affect your dishwasher’s efficiency. It is time to read the instructions well, so that you can conserve more energy.

43. Use a dishpan whenever you are hand washing dishes.

Hand washing dishes is actually a good way to saving energy in your home, especially if there are only few of them that you need to deal with. However, you should not let hot water run continuously whenever you are doing it. To avoid this, you can always make use of a dishpan, in order to hold water. This would not just minimize the energy consumed, but it would also conserve water.

44. Using an electric oven for cooking.

When you are using your electric oven to cook something up, you can always turn it off in advance. In other words, you can turn off the oven even when you are not done cooking yet. There is no need to worry in doing that, since the oven can retain heat. This can also be done when you are just trying to heat your food.

45. Do not over dry your clothes.

Whenever you make use of your washing machine’s dryer, you have to be careful not to over dry your clothes. This is because, over drying them would waste a lot of energy. Aside from that, it can also ruin your clothes if you do it all the time.

46. Cook barbeque and steaks every weekend.

To enjoy your weekends, you can always cook barbeque and steaks with your family. This would reduce the amount of time that you make use of your electric stove and oven. Aside from that, it would also provide you a chance to spend time with your spouse and kids.

47. Have smaller cooking appliances.

Unless you are constantly throwing a party or there are lots of members in your family, you should make use of smaller cooking appliances to saving energy in your home. This is because, smaller ones simply consume lesser energy to do the same cooking task. Thus, it is time to make use of the smaller appliances, and use the larger ones only when you really need them.

48. Moving your refrigerator.

Always remember that the temperature around the place where your refrigerator is situated, can affect the appliance’s energy consumption. Thus, it is important that you situate your fridge in a cooler place. Do not let it stand near a cooker or where the sunlight comes in, so that it won’t have to work harder to cool down the food items it contains.

49. Do not forget to defrost your refrigerator regularly.

It is important to defrost your refrigerator on a regular basis. This is because, it can greatly help when it comes to its efficiency. Aside from that, it can also help in prolonging its life. If you don’t want to defrost manually though, then it is best to buy a refrigerator that has an automatic defrosting feature.

50. Taking a shower instead of a bath.

According to a lot of experts, taking a shower actually conserves more energy than taking a bath. To ensure that this is the case though, it is best to make use of low-flow showerheads, instead of the power showers. They provide the same comfort and consume lesser amounts of energy.

51. Make it a practice to avoid using hot water.

Heating water takes a lot of energy, which is why it is best to make it a practice to avoid using it. Lots of people heat water to take a bath. However, if you make it a practice to use regular water, then you can actually get accustomed to it eventually. Thus, if you want to saving energy in your home, then you should avoid using hot water from now on.

52. Insulating your home.

Insulating the ceiling and walls in your home can actually help you save about 25 percent of your heating cost. However, it needs to be done properly. Thus, you have to research about it, if you want to do it yourself. On the other hand, you can also hire someone to do it for it you.

53. Walk.

Keep in mind that using your car or motorcycle also requires energy. Thus, if you are trying to get to a place that is just walking distance from your place, then you should avoid using them. Aside from conserving energy, it can also help in saving the environment by using lesser amounts of fossil fuel.

54. Buy recycled paper products.

There are lots of recycled paper products available in the market today. When you purchase them, you are basically saving energy in your home, since it takes about 70 to 90 percent less energy, when it comes to recycling paper. Aside from that, you are also helping in preventing the loss of trees in a worldwide scale.

55. Do not throw away your shopping bag.

Making use of reusable bags when you are shopping can actually help in conserving energy. Aside from that, it can also help in reducing the amount of waste that you introduce to the environment. Thus, it is time to make use of reusable bags, instead of accepting the disposable kinds each time you shop.

56. Plant a tree in your backyard.

When you plant a tree in your backyard, it would eventually provide you with shade, which can reduce your air-conditioning bills during the summer time. Aside from that, it can also minimize the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Thus, it does not only help you reduce your bills but also help the environment.

57. Use renewable sources of energy.

When you make use of renewable sources of energy for your needs, you would be able to save more money when it comes to your electricity bills. Some of these sources are the wind and solar. This move can also reduce the amount of fossil fuel burned, which is helpful to the environment.

58. Start a carpool.

When you share a ride with your coworkers or friends, it would actually reduce the amount of fuel that you would consume. There is no need to do it every day at the start. You can do it at 2 days in a week at first, and once you get the hang of it, increase the number of times that you do it, so that you can all help in saving energy in your home.

59. Arrange your furniture items properly.

It is important that the air circulation from your cooling or heating equipment is not being blocked by anything. This is to ensure that it works at its maximum efficiency. Thus, you have to arrange your furniture items with that in mind, so that you can ensure lesser energy consumption.

60. Use your fireplace.

During the colder months, do not forget to make good use of your fireplace. By doing that, you won’t have to make use of a lot of energy in order to bring up the temperature inside your place. Just take out the fire though once you go to bed, so that you can also conserve firewood.

Home Made Power Plant Review

If you’re looking for a way to reduce your energy bills by up to 80% and you want to do your bit for the environment, then you are in the right place. Home Made Power Plant is a complete system that will teach you how to reduce your energy bills and even have the energy companies start paying you for the energy that you produce!

There are a lot of green energy products out there so you might be wondering why this one is different… well it is super affordable to start with! At just $47 it’s the most affordable complete package on renewable energy that we’ve seen online.

So what do you get?

You get a step by step plan to create your own mini power plant at home! This alone is worth thousands of dollars in savings – imagine being able to reduce your energy costs to literally nothing! How good would that be? You could start spending your hard earned money on things that are actually enjoyable – you could spend the money on your friends and family too!

There are a lot of reasons as to why Home Made Power Plant is the best on the market but a few of them include the easy to use nature of the plans. They’re step by step and don’t leave anything out – you don’t even need to have any experience at all!

If you’ve ever wanted to reduce your energy bills then Home Made Power Plant could be the ideal solution for you. With easy to use step by step instructions as well as being fully illustrated, you can’t go wrong – if you do, you can always ask for help too!

This system is definitely one of the best we’ve seen and it’s unlike any other because it’s so affordable and easy to use. If you buy today you will only be spending $47 but you could be saving thousands over the next year! Unlike other systems you won’t be left in the dark – you will not have any questions because they cover so much in the system – literally leaving no stone unturned!

If you’re interested in cutting your electricity bill by up to 80% and even earning money from the electricity that you generate (beyond what you use) then the Home Made Power Plant is the perfect guide for you – grab your copy today before the price increases! Read More...

Saving Energy In Your Home (2)

20. Air dry your dishes whenever you can.

Using the dishwater heater consumes a lot of energy. Thus, it is best if you turn it off, whenever you leave your place and also when you are not making use of it. Aside from that, it is also a good idea to simply air dry your dishes whenever you can or when you have the time for it.

21. Be mindful of your cooling system’s thermostat levels.

It is best to be mindful of your cooling system’s temperature or thermostat levels. This is because, it can determine the amount of energy that it would consume in cooling down your place. Thus, you should take note of the comfortable temperature that you want to achieve, so that you won’t go lower and consume more energy in the process.

22. An alternative to using your air conditioning system.

If it is warm and you don’t want to turn on your air-conditioning system for a while, you can make use of an alternative for it. All you have to do is to place a bowl that is filled with ice cubes in front of your electric fan. Turn on the fan, and you can feel cool air blown towards you.

23. Reduce the humidity inside your place.

Reducing the humidity inside your place can greatly help in making you more comfortable during warm weather conditions. To achieve that, all you have to do is to use a dehumidifier. When you make use of it, you can minimize the number of times that you have to turn on your air-conditioning system.

24. Use your air-conditioning system’s timer.

It is a good idea to make use of your air-conditioning system’s timer on a regular basis to saving energy in your home. For example, when you turn it on at night before going to bed, set the timer to turn off the system by dawn. This is because, it is usually pretty cold during that time, and you won’t even notice that your AC has already been turned off.

25. Minimize the use of your shower’s heater.

There are times when people make use of their showers’ heater even on summer times. Thus, whenever it is warm, you should see to it that your shower’s heater has been turned off. Do this, so that you can enjoy cooler water, and save on energy consumption.

26. Minimize the times your kids open up the fridge.

Whenever you open the door of your refrigerator, its cool air would go out and warm air would go in. Therefore, it can make your fridge work harder, and consume more energy because of it. Thus, you have to remind your kids not to open up the fridge a lot. Aside from that, let other members of your household be aware of it, so that they can all help out.

27. Purchase an air-conditioning system that can help you conserve energy.

There are air-conditioning systems today, which are designed to help you conserve energy. One example of it is that, it has a plug that comes with a socket in it, in which you can plug your fan into. With that, once the timer turns off the system, your fan would automatically be turned on, so that you won’t even have to get up of your bed to do it.

28. Buy more food items to place inside your refrigerator.

Keep in mind that a cooling system usually works harder with larger space. Thus, if your refrigerator is half empty, then it needs to consume more energy to cool it down. With that, you should try to consume more space inside your refrigerator, so that you would be able to saving energy in your home.

29. Turn off your computer.

Lots of people think that when they turn their computer off and on, it would wear out the system faster. However, it is actually untrue, especially with the newer computers. Thus, it is time to make it a practice to turn off your computer whenever you are not using it, so that you can bring down your electricity bills.

30. Turn off all heat sources in summer.

One of the best ways to minimize heat during the summertime is to turn off all the heat sources inside your place. Some of which would be lights, appliances, and other electrical items. Turning off these things whenever they are not in use would minimize heat inside the house, and would help you save on energy cost.

31. Use LED for your lighting needs.

LED lighting is now being used by a lot of companies, in order for them to reduce their electricity bills. This is because, these types of lighting are energy efficient compared to traditional types. Thus, it is time to make use of such types of lighting, so that you too can enjoy more savings from them.

32. Add light timers in your place.

Reducing the amount of time you make use of the lights inside your place can help a lot when it comes to energy saving. Thus, installing light timers can help you achieve your goal in it. With a timer, you can ensure that the lights in your porch or garage would be turned off, even before you go out of bed.

33. Energy saving in cooking.

Whenever you are trying to cook something with the use of a pot, it is better to make use of the lid for it to conserve energy. By using the lid, it ensures that heat would not go out of the pot and be focused on the food that you are trying to cook. This is actually one of the reasons why the lid is always included whenever you purchase a pot.

34. Having a swimming pool.

A swimming pool can greatly help you during summertime, since it can reduce the amount of time you make use of your air-conditioning system. However, running your pool can also consume lots of energy, especially if you let the water pump run 24 hours a day. To get around it, just let it run for 6 to 8 hours each day instead, so that you can saving energy in your home.

35. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Using the traditional incandescent light bulbs use a lot of energy. This is because, aside from providing light, they also produce heat. Thus, it is time to replace them with compact fluorescent light bulbs today, so that you can saving energy in your home. They do not produce heat, and they consume 80 percent less energy.

36. Motion sensing devices.

Motion sensors can help you a lot when it comes to conserving energy. This is because, you can make use of them for your outdoor lighting. With motion sensors, you can ensure that your outdoor lighting would only be used whenever the sensors detect something moving outside your place.

37. Your furnace filters.

Keep in mind that your furnace filters can get dirty in just a matter of time. The dirtier they get, the more energy your furnace fan needs to consume in order to work. Thus, it is best if you replace the furnace filters on a regular basis, so that you can consume less energy.

38. Give your computer a break.

Keep in mind that your computer becomes slower as you fill it up with more and more data. Thus, it is time to clean out unwanted data from it. By doing that, your computer would work faster, which would reduce the time you need to spend in doing something in and it that would result to more energy saved.

39. Get your family to watch television in the living room.

It is quite a usual thing these days for each of the members of the family to have their own television set insider their own rooms. Whenever you are all trying to watch the same TV program though, convince all the members of the family to watch it in the living room. When you do this, you won’t just be saving energy in your home, but it can also give you time to bond with each other.

40. Buy energy efficient appliances.

If you are shopping for appliances, you would realize that in most cases, the energy efficient products are usually more expensive. Although they are, they can actually provide you with more benefits in the long run. Aside from helping you minimize energy consumption, these models usually are also made in higher quality than the others.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

Utilizing solar energy or the power coming from the sun's rays has many benefits. Let us take a closer look on each of them.

•Solar energy saves money.

In 2006, we saw the highest jump on residential electric rate. In some areas of the country, as much as 60% increase was seen. Many experts agree that the trend will likely to continue in the years to come. This means that you have to pay larger sum of cash to sustain your monthly electric consumption. But if you produce your own power, you can prevent paying the high cost of energy - especially now when energy prices are very unstable.

On a larger scale, if American households switch to other types of alternative energy including solar energy, the nation's spending on imported oil will greatly decrease.

•Solar energy is environment-friendly.

The issue of global warming will not go away. So if you want to do your part to save this planet, drawing your power requirement from the sun will make a great difference.

Solar energy is sustainable and renewable unlike gas, coal and oil that most utility companies use. It does not produce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury or carbon dioxide as byproducts so it doesn't pollute the air. Since it doesn't emit greenhouse gases, it doesn't contribute to global warming.

Using solar energy reduces demand for fossil fuel and reduces the nation's dependence on foreign energy sources.

•Government gives incentives to those who use alternative form of energy.

Many are discouraged to install solar electric systems because of the initial cost of the project. But, some states like California offers federal tax credits as much as $2000 and up front rebate that covers 20% to 30% of the total system cost. These offers are relatively good considering the substantial increase of energy cost in recent years.

Note: Due to the increasing number of households who want to switch into alternative forms of energy, the incentive levels decline. Check with your state government the rates it offer if you are going to make a switch.

•Solar power systems are dependable and require little or no maintenance.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells that are used in solar power systems are capable of providing electricity for a very long time. Originally developed for space use, PV cells require little or no maintenance. The proof is, most satellites orbiting earth use PV cells that are in harsh environment, not maintained but are still working properly. The manufacturers of solar panels can give as much as 25-years warranty. Talk about quality and dependability.

•Solar energy helps improve the quality of life.

Saving the planet one watt at a time if done collectively will help reduce the effects of global warming. It will also reduce demand on coal, oil or gas power plants that emit harmful gases. In turn, using solar power helps clean the air and improves the quality of life of every individual.

•Solar energy can reduce demands for other non-biodegradable materials.

For utility companies to distribute power to every home, they need materials necessary in building these systems of power lines like electric cable and steel. These require energy to produce and contribute to greenhouse gases emissions. If we can cut the demand for power plant and switch into alternative energy, we can also reduce the demand for these materials and help the environment.

Saving Energy In Your Home (1)

1. It begins with your commitment.

If you want to saving energy in your home, you have to be committed enough in doing the necessary things for it. Without your commitment, you may not become mindful of you actions, which can directly or indirectly affect your overall energy consumption. Thus, you have to be committed, so that you can see results on it.

2. Make it a practice to turn off the lights in your room.

Lots of people today leave their bedrooms without turning the lights off. Although lights do not consume much electricity, lots of energy would be wasted if you constantly left them turned on for the most parts of the day, even if you are not inside the room. Thus, make it a practice to turn off the lights, so that you can saving energy in your home.

3. Replace your filters regularly.

Most heating and cooling equipment require clean filters, in order for them to run clean. The filters can also help them in becoming more energy efficient. With that, replacing your filters regularly can help you save a lot in terms of energy consumption. Ask your technician about it, so that you would know when is the best time to do so.

4. Dirty coils make your appliances consume more electricity.

Refrigerator coils can get dirty over a certain period of time. In most cases, they can accumulate a lot of dirt within the six month period; and, when that happens, the dirty coil would make your refrigerator work harder in order to achieve its desired temperature. Thus, it is best if you practice cleaning and vacuuming your refrigerator coils every six months or so, so that you won’t have to endure higher electricity bills.

5. Close the windows.

Whether you need to achieve lower or higher temperature inside your house, it is best if you close your windows. This is because, open windows would make your cooling or heating equipment require more energy to serve you better. When you close the windows, your equipment would not work too hard, which means it can help you saving energy in your home.

6. Do not forget the timer.

When you sleep at night and you are using your air-conditioning system to make your room temperature cooler, it is a good idea to make use of its timer. The timer would ensure that your AC would be turned off in time. Aside from that, if you won’t use the timer, you may get tempted to extend its usage, especially when you don’t feel like going out of your bed yet.

7. Make use of solar energy.

There are lots of DIY solar panels that you can make use for your home today. One of the best things about this new technology is that, you no longer have to pay high electricity bills with them. All you have to do is to have someone install it properly, and you should be good to go.

8. Dry your clothes the natural way.

One of the best ways to conserve energy is to dry your clothes naturally. If you are going to use your washing machine’s dryer for them, then you would be consuming lots of energy. Just hang the clothes outside, and let the sun dry it so that you can saving energy in your home.

9. Unplug all unused appliances and electronic devices.

You need to keep in mind that many appliances and other electronic devices consume electricity when they are plugged into the socket, even when they are turned off. Thus, the moment that you turn them off, you should ensure that they are unplugged. If it is a hassle for you to do, then just do it just before going to bed.

10. Your computer monitor.

If your computer’s monitor is still the large type, or the CRT, then it is time to replace it. CRT screens actually consume more energy than the LCD types. Thus, it is time to make use of the newer computer screens. Aside from consuming lesser amounts of energy with them, it also improves your whole experience in using your desktop PC.

11. Open up your windows during summer.

Summer heat can be hard to beat, which is why it is best to come up with ways to get around it without consuming lots of energy. Open up your windows during summer time, so that you can let fresh air go in and out of the house. This is effective, especially if your house is surrounded with trees.

12. In going for a vacation.

When you go for a vacation, you need to make sure that all the appliances, except the refrigerator, are turned off and unplugged. Aside from that, if you have a water heater, then you should also ensure that it is turned off as well. Minimize energy consumption by leaving just a light in the porch and in your living room while you are away.

13. Minimize the number of times you open the door.

When it is warm and you are using your air-conditioning to achieve cooler temperature inside your place, then you should minimize the times that you and other members of your household are opening the door. Each time you open the door, warm air would get inside your place. When that happens, it would make your cooling equipment work harder.

14. Turn off your light when you go to bed.

Turning off the light inside your bedroom when you go to bed can help save lots of energy. If you are not very comfortable, you can always use a lampshade instead or a night light. When you do this, aside from saving energy in your home, it can also help you sleep better.

15. Using water heater.

If you have a water heater installed at your place, it can make your energy consumption go up, if you have leaky faucets. Thus, you should fix any leaky faucet as soon as you spot them. Aside from saving energy in your home, it can also help you save on water usage.

16. Cut off cooling areas in your house that don’t need it.

When you turn on your cooling equipment at your place, you have to consider the fact that it would try to lower down the temperature on the entire space. Thus, if you have rooms that don’t need cooling, then you should close the door to that room. By minimizing the space that it has to cool down, you are ensuring that it would not consume more energy that it needs to.

17. Block the summer light to saving energy in your home.

Blocking the summer light can go a long way, as far as saving energy is concerned. This is because, it can help in bringing down the temperature inside your house. Thus, you need to install awnings, shades, blinds, or sunscreens in spots where sunlight can enter. Reflect away the heat from your house to make it cooler.

18. Have a technician check your electric wirings on a regular manner.

Checking your electric wirings inside your house is necessary, in order to lessen energy consumption. Routine check up would ensure that no wires are damaged by pests, which can cause more energy consumed or even short circuit. Thus, this practice would not just conserve energy, but also make your home safer as well.

19. Installing an exhaust fan in your kitchen.

Whenever you are cooking, an exhaust fan inside your kitchen can help a lot in blowing hot air from the place. This can help you save a lot of energy especially during summer time. Your savings when it comes to using energy to cool down your place would be more than the electricity consumed by the fan.

20. Air dry your dishes whenever you can.

Using the dishwater heater consumes a lot of energy. Thus, it is best if you turn it off, whenever you leave your place and also when you are not making use of it. Aside from that, it is also a good idea to simply air dry your dishes whenever you can or when you have the time for it.

History Of Solar Energy

When people talk about solar energy, a lot of people think of certain solar energy sources that are pretty common to them, such as wood, and even dried animal droppings. Aside from these possible sources of solar energy, people also associate the concept of solar energy as one of the possible causes for global warming.

However, there are still a lot of things that people do not know or fully understand about solar energy just yet, like what it is exactly, and how to use it to its utmost potential. In order for you to fully understand more about solar and sustainable energy, and what the future holds for it, you need to learn more about the history of solar energy. This article will give you a chance to delve in deeper into solar energy’s fascinating history.

Historical Role Of Solar Energy

One of the more common and more popular roles that the sun, or solar energy, played during those ancient times is that of a force that is able to sustain life based on its ability to give off renewable energy. This is probably the main reason as to why the people during those times, especially in native South and North America, as well as in other parts of the world, worshipped the Sun.

Ancient Greece built temples devoted to worshipping their sun deities, namely, Helio and Apollo. Also, the Greek’s use of solar energy were not limited to religious purposes, as they even used the solar energy system to incorporate passive solar design in the construction of their houses.

The Romans simply improved the Greek’s design and also incorporated windows into their structures, allowing them to be able to trap more solar heat. This actually played a role in their ability to produce a good growing condition for plants.

Solar Hot Water Heater Prototype

Unknown to a lot of people, but the original prototype for solar hot water heaters is actually a result of do-it-yourself projects of people in their hopes to be able to boil water, and keeping the water hot for a longer period of time. Scientists during the 18th century were able to discover that covering a box with a glass top while heating it would actually get the water to reach boiling temperature. But it wasn’t until someone tried to separate the solar heat collector with the water tank that the first prototype for solar hot water heaters was created.

Discovery Of Solar Energy Cells

Solar energy cells, also known as PV cells, are actually created when three Americans discovered that building transistors with silicon. This was during the 1950’s. PV cells weren’t actually an affordable solar energy source back then, however, due to its practical use in the satellite industry, the solar energy cell industry became sustainable. PV cells serve as the main fuel source for satellites out in space.

Solar Energy Today

Nowadays, in our more technologically advanced times, solar energy has now garnered a lot of renewed interest and focus, especially since solar energy has now become more affordable, and offers more use and application in our modern day needs. Solar energy cells are actually being used in a lot of businesses and homes today, and are even responsible for powering most household appliances, office equipments, and are even used to power cars.

About Solar Energy

Solar energy, heat and radiant light that emanates from the sun have been controlled by humans beginning the ancient periods using a wide range of evolving technologies. Solar radiation, together with secondary solar-powered resources like biomass, wind, wave and hydroelectricity are accountable for majority of the available renewable energy on Earth. Only a small fraction of the available solar energy is utilized.

Solar powered electrical generation depends on photovoltaics and heat engines. The uses of solar energy are only limited by human ingenuity. Some of the other uses of solar energy include space cooling and heating via solar architecture, solar hot water, solar cooking, potable water via distillation and disinfection, daylighting and high temperature process heat for industrial functions. Solar panels are one of the most effective and basic ways to gather solar energy.

What is Solar Power?

More and more homes, offices and devices are now relying on solar power as people are becoming more aware of the potential dangers of other unnatural sources of power. It is important that you know more about the idea to determine if it is the best option for you. Solar power can render several benefits for the long term. You can take advantage of the features by choosing the right type and maximizing the effect right in your own home.

About Solar

Solar power is described as the creation of electricity straight from the sun. The generation can be direct with the use of PV or photovoltaics or indirect via CSP or concentrating solar power. CSP is done by using the energy of the sun to focus and boil water which will eventually create solar power. Solar power has the capacity to give more than 1000 times the total world energy consumption back in 2008. However, solar power only comprised 0.02% of the total in 2008.

If solar power will be used double every 2 to 3 years, it can become the dominate source of energy for the century. The biggest solar power plants, are concentrating solar thermal plants, although new multi-megawatt photovoltaic plants have also been created. More and more countries are investing in the bigger photovoltaic power stations, like Germany and Portugal.

More Solar Power

Terrestrial solar power is a predictable and intermittent source of energy, which means even though solar power is not readily available all the time, people can still predict it using a certain degree of accuracy when the energy source will or will not be available. A number of technologies, like the solar thermal concentrators, include an element of thermal storage, such as molten salts.

These come in the form of heat and are considered as store spare solar energy that can readily be made available overnight or at times when solar power is not available to create electricity. Orbital solar power collection also avoids the intermittent use, although satellite launching and beaming of the gathered power are required to get antennas on Earth. The enhanced intensity of the sunlight over the atmosphere also tends to boost the generation efficiency.